Ornamental item with variable configuration, and method for its manufacture

ABSTRACT

An ornamental item with variable configuration, of the necklace or bracelet type, comprises an at least partially flexible elongated base element ( 2 ) made of precious or semi-precious, and it is characterized in that the elongated base element ( 2 ) has, on a first visible side, a slide and support guide ( 3 ). Moreover, one or more ornamental elements ( 4 ) are provided, able to be selectively inserted into said slide guide ( 3 ), as well as means ( 6 ) for locking each of the ornamental elements ( 4 ) in a predetermined position along the longitudinal development of said elongated base element ( 2 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention finds application in the jewelry industry, and in particular it relates to an ornamental item with variable configuration, modifiable at will by the user.

The invention further relates to a method for the manufacture of said item.

BACKGROUND ART

Numerous jewelry items having a variable configuration are known. In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,485 discloses a jewelry item which can be dimensioned to be used as a bracelet or as a necklace, comprising a rigid main body with substantially circular shape and a pair of covering elements. The main body is provided with circular channels in whose interior is housed a pair of ends for latching the covering elements, to enable them to slide along the circumference of the main body. The sliding motion of the covering elements allows to render selectively visible an ornamental motif positioned on the outer surface of the main body.

An evident drawback of this solution is that the base body is rigid and can be found uncomfortable to wear. Moreover, the jewel can be modified only between two configurations, the closed one and the one with the ornamental motif visible, and no further variations by the user are possible.

EP-A-0144288 and U.S.-A-20020116947 describe jewelry items, usable as necklaces, each of which comprises a relatively flexible elongated element, closing means in order removably to connect the longitudinal end of the flexible elongated element, an ornament inserted slidably around the flexible elongated element. Thanks to this conformation, the user can extract the ornament from the flexible elongated element and replace it with a second different ornament.

A disadvantage of these jewelry items is that the ornament covers and hides from view a portion of the flexible elongated element. Consequently, its aesthetic value can be reduce by the presence of an ornament with relatively high longitudinal extension.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

A general aim of the present invention is to eliminate the aforesaid drawbacks, obtaining an ornamental article with variable configuration, which has characteristics of high flexibility, functionality, simplicity of manufacture and aesthetic attractiveness.

A primary aim is to obtain an ornamental item whose external appearance is modifiable in a plurality of configurations and by means of simple manual operations also by the user.

An additional aim is to obtain an ornamental item having such conformation and weight as to be particularly comfortable to wear.

A particular aim is to obtain an ornamental item that is free of visible holes and welds or other esthetically unattractive elements.

Another aim is to obtain an ornamental item that is rugged and retains its characteristics unaltered over time.

A further aim of the invention is to obtain a method for the production of an ornamental item that is effective and economically advantageous.

These aims, as well as others that shall become more readily apparent hereafter, are achieved in accordance with claim 1, by an ornamental item with variable configuration, of the necklace or bracelet type, comprising an at least partially flexible elongated base element made of precious or semi-precious metallic material, characterized in that the base element has, on a first visible side, a slide and support guide, there being one or more ornamental elements able to be selectively inserted into the slide guide, as well as means for locking each ornamental element in a predetermined position along the longitudinal development of the elongated base element.

Thanks to this particular configuration, it will be possible to obtain an ornamental item of considerable aesthetic value, modifiable at will by the simple disassembly by sliding of one or more ornamental elements and the subsequent insertion of one or more new ornamental elements. Moreover, it will be possible to lock the ornamental elements without the aid of holes, screws, visible welds or other aesthetically unattractive elements.

Preferably, the elongated base element comprises a plurality of modular segments, mutually adjacent and coupled by flexible connection means.

Thanks to this particular configuration, it will be possible to obtain an ornamental item that is particularly comfortable to wear and has reduced weight.

Moreover, thanks to the flexibility of the item, it will be possible to change its configuration in such a way as to make visible its face opposite to the exposed one which, when required, may have a surface finish of considerable value, thereby obtaining a “double-face” jewel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present invention shall become more readily apparent in light of the detailed description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of an ornamental item according to the invention, illustrated purely by way of non limiting example with the aid of the accompanying drawing tables, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a top view of an ornamental item according to the invention, in an open configuration;

FIG. 2 is a section view of the ornamental item of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a section view of a second embodiment of an ornamental item according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the item of FIG. 1, in a closed configuration;

FIG. 5 is a view of a detail of the item of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a detail of an item according to the invention, in an intermediate phase of manufacture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

With particular reference to the aforementioned figures, an ornamental item according to the invention is described, globally designated by the reference number 1, having a variable configuration.

The ornamental item 1 may be a necklace or a bracelet but it may also assume other forms, i.e. as a ring, earring or pin without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

The item 1 comprises an at least flexible elongated base element 2 made of precious or semi-precious metallic material, such as gold, platinum, silver, copper, metal alloy.

A peculiar characteristic of the invention is that the elongated base element 2 has, on a first visible side, a slide and support guide 3, into which can selectively be inserted one or more ornamental elements 4.

Moreover, means 5 are provided for locking each ornamental element in a predetermined position along the longitudinal development of the elongated base element 2.

More in detail, the elongated base element 2 comprises a plurality of modular segments mutually adjacent and coupled by flexible connection means 7. Each modular segment 6 comprises a latten 8 made of metallic material having a substantially flat central portion 9 and a pair of curved end portions 10, bent towards the central portion 9. The curved end portions 10, together with the central portion 9, define an elementary portion of the slide guide 3.

The curved end portions 10 may have hollow shape, with approximately polygonal or partially circular cross section.

In this way, every modular element 6 will have, on a first visible side, a slide guide 3 and on a second side, a substantially continuous and radiused surface, which may also be placed in view if it is provided with a suitable surface finish.

The flexible connection means 7 comprise a flexible member 11, which is inserted and locked stably inside the curved end portions 10, thanks to their hollow shape.

In particular, the curved end portions 10 of each modular segment 6 have terminal edges 12 welded to the central portion 9 thereof to define stiffening and guiding portions.

Every ornamental element 4 comprises a main body 13 with a visible face 13′ and a pair of lateral portions 14. Moreover, the means for locking 6 the ornamental elements 4 comprise shaped walls 15 at the lateral portions 14 of the main body 13. The shaped walls 15 interact with the slide guide 3.

More in detail, the shaped walls 15 have substantially complementary shape relative to the slide guide 3. In this way the main body 13 can be inserted in the slide guide 3 and it is prevented from moving away from the elongated base element 2 in the transverse direction. Conveniently, the visible face 13′ of the main body 13 may have ornamental motifs 16 made of precious or semi-precious material or natural or synthetic stones. Moreover, the main body 13 may be made of metallic material or also of any other material, e.g. elastomeric or plastic, to make the ornamental item more youthful and economical.

The central portion 9 of each modular segment 6 may have approximately trapezoidal or, alternatively, substantially rectangular plan shape. The trapezoidal plan shape allows to create an elongated base element 2 having substantially curvilinear development, which is particularly suitable for necklaces or similar products.

Alternatively, the rectangular plan shape allows to obtain an elongated base element 2 with substantially rectilinear planar development, which is particularly suitable for the creation of bracelets, rings or the like.

The longitudinal ends 17 of the elongated base element 2 can be connected removably by means of appropriate closing members 18, to allow the user to close the elongated base element 2 around his/her neck or wrist and thus to be able to wear the ornamental item 1.

The ornamental elements 4 can be locked along the longitudinal direction by friction with the slide guide 3. The main body 12 of each ornamental element has a main curvature, having a slightly different radius R from the radius R′ of curvature of the elongated base element 2, when the longitudinal ends thereof are mutually connected.

In this way the shaped walls 15 of each main body 12 are partially compressed against the slide guide 3 and the contact friction which derives therefrom allows to lock the ornamental element 4 along the longitudinal direction.

Moreover, when the longitudinal ends 17 of the elongated base element 2 are separated, the difference between the radius R of every main body 12 and the radius R′ of the elongated base element 2 can be eliminated, and the ornamental elements 4 can slide longitudinally along the slide guide 3.

As an alternative or in addition to the locking by friction of the shaped walls 15 against the slide guide 3, the closing members 18 can comprise a hinge 19 to allow the rotation of a rotatable portion 20 of the members. The rotatable portion 20 may be moved between a position of utilization in which the longitudinal displacement and the insertion or extraction of the ornamental elements 4 is prevented, and a position of modification in which the ornamental elements can be moved longitudinally and inserted or extracted from the slide guide 3.

The ornamental item 1 with variable configuration may be obtained with a method comprising the steps described below.

In a firs step (a) an elongated lamina 21 of metallic material is prepared.

In a second step (b) the longitudinal edges 22 of the elongated lamina 21 are bent. This operation generates a pair of longitudinal cavities 23 having approximately polygonal or at least partially circular cross section.

The longitudinal edges 22 are also welded on the elongated lamina 21. The weld can be executed by placing in proximity to the region of interest an appropriate quantity of weld material, in the form of paste or other form, and subsequently heating the elongated lamina 21 to a relatively high temperature in a furnace.

In a third step c), the elongated lamina 21 is cut transversely to form a plurality of modular segments 6, each of which has a substantially planar central portion 9 and a pair of curved end portions 10. The cut may be executed in such a way that the central portion 9 of each modular segment 6 can have approximately trapezoidal or substantially rectangular plan shape.

In a fourth step d), the mutual coupling of the plurality of mutually adjacent modular segments 6 is executed by flexible connection means. In this way, an elongated base element 2 is obtained which has a slide and support guide 3 defined by the curved end portions 10 of the modular segments 6.

In a fifth step e), one or more ornamental elements 4 are inserted into the sliding guide 3 and in the last step f) the one or more inserted ornamental elements 4 are longitudinally locked.

From the above description, it is readily apparent that the ornamental item according to the invention achieves the predetermined aims. In particular, the presence and conformation of the sliding guide allow to lock the ornamental elements in simple fashion and make available also to final user the capability of easily modifying the ornamental item.

Moreover, the flexibility obtained by the mutual coupling of the plurality of modular segments makes the ornamental item particularly comfortable to wear and adaptable to different users.

Lastly, by turning over the finished item it will possible to expose to view the opposite side of the various modular segments which, thanks to their surface finish, will be able to provide the item with a pleasant appearance, making available a “double-face” jewel.

The ornamental item according to the invention can be subject to numerous modifications and variants without thereby departing from the inventive scope expressed in the accompanying claims. All components may be replaced with other technically equivalent elements and the materials may be different according to needs, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

While the ornamental item was described with particular reference to the accompanying figures, the reference numbers used in the disclosure and in the claims are used to improve comprehension of the invention and do not constitute any limitation to the claimed scope of protection. 

1. An ornamental item with variable configuration, of the necklace or bracelet type, comprising an at least partially flexible elongated base element (2) made of precious or semi-precious, characterized in that said elongated base element (2) has, on a first visible side, a slide and support guide (3), there being one or more ornamental elements (4) able to be selectively inserted into said slide guide (3), as well as means (6) for locking said ornamental elements (4) in a predetermined position along the longitudinal development of said elongated base element (2).
 2. Item as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that said elongated base element (2) comprises a plurality of mutually adjacent modular segments (6), coupled by flexible connection means (7).
 3. Item as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that each of said modular segments (6) comprises a latten (8) made of metallic material having a substantially planar central portion (9) and a pair of curved end portions (10) bent towards said central portion (8) to define an elementary portion of said slide guide (3).
 4. Item as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said curved end portions (10) have hollow shape, with approximately polygonal or at least partially circular cross section.
 5. Item as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that said flexible connection means (7) comprise a flexible member (11) inserted and locked stably within said curved end portions (10).
 6. Item as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said curved end portions (10) of each modular segment (8) have terminal edges (12) welded to said central portion (9) thereof to define stiffening and guiding portions.
 7. Item as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that each of said ornamental elements (4) comprises a main body (13) with a visible face (13′) and a pair of lateral portions (14).
 8. Item as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that said means for locking (6) said ornamental elements (4) comprise shaped walls (15) at said lateral portions (14) of said main body (13), able to interact with said slide guide (3).
 9. Item as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that said shaped walls (15) have substantially complementary shape relative to said slide guide (3) to allow its seating within the guide itself and prevent it from moving away in transverse direction with respect to the elongated base element (2).
 10. Item as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that said visible face (13′) of said main body (13) has ornamental motifs (16) made of precious or semi-precious material or of natural or synthetic stones.
 11. Item as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that said main body (13) is made of elastomeric material.
 12. Item as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said central portion (8) of each modular segment (6) has approximately trapezoidal plan shape so that said elongated base element (2) has a substantially curvilinear planar development.
 13. Item as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said central portion (9) of every modular segment (6) has an approximately rectangular plan form so that said elongated base element (2) has a substantially rectilinear planar development.
 14. Item as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises closing members (18) in order removably to connect the longitudinal ends (17) of said elongated base element (2).
 15. Item as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the main body (13) of each of said ornamental elements (4) has a main curvature.
 16. Item as claimed in claims 14 and 15, characterized in that said main curvature has a slightly different radius (R) from the radius of curvature (R′) of said elongated base element (2), with said longitudinal ends (17) connected, to allow the locking by attrition along the longitudinal direction of said main body (13) of each ornamental element (4).
 17. Item as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that said closing members (18) comprise a hinge (19) to rotate a rotatable portion (20) of said closing members (18) and selectively to lock said ornamental elements (4) along the longitudinal direction in said slide guide (3).
 18. A method for obtaining an ornamental item with variable configuration, as claimed in one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) Readying an elongated lamina (21) made of metallic material; b) Bending the longitudinal edges (22) of the elongated lamina (21) and welding them on the lamina itself, in such a way as to form a pair of longitudinal cavities (23); c) Transversely cutting the elongated lamina (21) to form a plurality of modular segments (6), each of which having a substantially planar central portion (9) and a pair of curved end portions (10); d) Mutual coupling, by flexible connection means (7) of the plurality of modular segments (6) positioned adjacent to each other, to form an elongated base element (2) defining a slide and support guide (3) with the curved end portions (10) of the modular segments (6); e) Inserting one or more ornamental elements (4) into the slide guide (3); f) Longitudinally locking the one or more ornamental elements (4) previously inserted. 